Heart'S Diamond

Every lover deep hath set In a sacred nook apart Some dear token for the heart In its hope or its regret.

One hath nested safe away Blackest ringlet ever seen, Over which an azure sheen Lieth, as on wing of jay.

One from shoulder pale as milk Took a tress more golden-fine Than the threads that softly shine In the silk-worm's wonder-silk.

In its hiding mystical, Memory's reliquary sweet, Glances of another greet Gloves with fingers white and small.

And another yet may list To inhale a faint perfume Of the violets from her room, Freshly given--faded, kissed.

Here a slipper's curving grace One with sighing treasureth. There another guards a breath In a mask's light edge of lace.

I've no slipper to revere, Neither glove nor tress nor flower; But I cherish for love's dower A divine, adorèd tear,--

Fallen from the blue above, Clearest dew, heaven's drop for me, Pearl dissolved secretly In the chalice of my love.

To mine eyes the dim-worn dew Beams, a gem of Orient worth, Standing from the parchment forth, Diamond of a sapphire blue,--

Steadfast, lustreful and deep! Tear that fell unhoped, unsought, On a song my soul once wrought, From an eye unused to weep.